Q: Is DeAndre Jordan trying to work on his offense at all? It seems like he is content with just being able to dunk.
— Anthony L. CA
DJ: Here’s my thought process on this one – if you could dunk like DeAndre Jordan, wouldn’t you be content with that? But I digress. DeAndre is definitely putting in the work on his post game. I don’t think anyone expects him to be “dream shaking” on the block like Olajuwon anytime soon, but a consistent jump hook in the lane would do him wonders. You know what’s crazy though? DeAndre Jordan might not be left-handed. I know that sounds ridiculous, but he’s repeatedly mentioned how much more comfortable he is with his right-handed hooks than his left, which is bizarre because he’s completely and totally left-handed in every other aspect of his life. Chris Kaman has always preferred his left hand around the rim despite being right-handed, so maybe he can provide some mentorship there. Regardless though, it’s important to remember that DeAndre should be just a senior in college right now. He’s a work in progress.Q: How effective will the combo of Griffin and Kaman be when going against other 4's and 5's in the league?
— Somaly K. Los Angeles, CA
DJ: Brutally effective. The offensive versatility the pair offers is tops in the league. Both Griffin and Kaman can play in either the high post or low post and that will be huge in exploiting size or speed matchups. Teams just won’t be able to hide frontcourt defensive liabilities like they could last year. Marcus Camby was a great player for the Clippers, but Griffin adds an explosive element to the offense that opposing defenses will have to respect. You just can’t leave a slower big on an island with Griffin unless you want him to be on the bad end of a poster.Q: Is E-Bled (Eric Bledsoe) going to be the real deal a couple years from now and do you think this nickname will catch on?
— Josh N., Spokane, WA
DJ: Fantastic question. While I like E-Bled, I think Easy-E has some real staying power…and it would allow me to slip more 90’s rap references into my writing. Tough call there. Aside from the nickname dilemma, I think Bledsoe is going to be the real deal. He’s lightning quick and can score in a bunch of different ways once he gets into the paint, and his strength is completely underrated. The dude is absolutely jacked and won’t get pushed around by bigger guards. Once the game starts to slow down for him, the transition from prospect to legitimate pro will be “easy". See what I did there? Can’t throw tomatoes at me on the internet!
That’s it for this week – thanks for all the great questions that were sent in. If you’d like to submit a question to the mailbag, just fill out the form below and make sure to check back on Thursday for a brand new edition. Until then, stay tuned to Clippers.com for more coverage!
DJ Foster, Clippers.com
Also, Blake Griffin returned to practice today. Craig Smith and Eric Gordon sat out.